Sierra de Irta Nature Reserve
This is the only costal region free from buildings on the entire Mediterranean coast.
This mountain range runs for 15 km parallel to the coast and its cliffs, beaches
and coves form a truly spectacular coastal landscape.
Its uniqueness lies in the combination of sea and mountains in such close proximity.
There are wonderful views of the coast from the highest peaks and, on a clear day,
it is even possible to see the Columbretes Islands.
The protected area covers 12,000 hectares, and contains a rich artistic heritage
with the Xivert and Pulpis castles (which belonged to the Knights Templar) and the
17th century hermitages of Saint Antoni Abad and Saint Lucia. There is also a network
of watchtowers that protected the area against sea invasions, the most important
being Ebrí Tower and Badum Tower, of Muslim origin.
This amazing natural landscape is dotted with tiny, practically unspoilt coves,
where the crystalline waters beckon you in for a refreshing swim.
Hiking
Barranco Font de la Parra
This route is 5 km long and takes approximately two hours to complete. Although
it is very difficult in the beginning, it gets easier as you go along.
Walkers can enjoy some beautiful views along the way. The coastline is visible from
Oropesa as far as the Alcocebre lighthouse.
The Cabanes-Torreblanca Nature Reserve, las Agujas de Santa Águeda in the Desierto
de las Palmas Nature Reserve can also be viewed, as can the peak of Penyagolosa
and Xivert castle.
Santa Magdalena de Pulpis
This three-kilometre walk takes approximately one hour to complete. The difficulty
is moderate throughout.
The starting point is the Church square, where you will see signposts leading to
the castle. When you get to the Santa Magdalena cemetery, cross the motorway via
the underpass and look for the signs showing where the trail starts. A few minutes
after starting the hike, the path narrows and enters the ravine. The final stretch
of the path goes up a hill, until the castle comes into view.
Xivert Castle
This 3.5 km walk takes more or less one and a half hours to complete. The difficulty
level is medium throughout.
Starting on the tarmac road from the SEAT dealership, go towards the mountain. After
crossing an underground bridge, take the road to the left (parallel to the motorway)
until you reach a hut, where you will see the first signpost for the trail. The
path goes along the north face via the old Templars Route to reach the castle.
Mas del Senyor, Clot de Maig, Torre Badum Circular Route
The distance is 12 km and it will take you more or less four hours to cover. The
whole route is medium difficulty.
The starting point is at the Font Nova urbanisation where the tarmac road finishes.
From here you can see the entrance to the Sierra de Irta Nature Reserve.
The stretch to Torre Badum takes you on a path leading to Clot de Maig. If you carry
on down the trail you will reach the coast, where you can choose between two options:
- Go right for 500 metres and you will have the chance to see the only sandy beach
in the entire mountain range.
- Go left towards Torre Badum to admire the magnificent views.
Route along the Irta peaks
This is a 17.6 km route and takes approximately six hours to complete. The level
of difficulty is average throughout.
The itinerary starts at the Santa Lucia Hermitage. From the parking area, follow
the signposts to the old watchtower, the Torre Ebrí and continue to the Campanilles
peak, the highest in the whole range at 572 m.
You can walk from peak to peak, visiting the El Coll de la Palma hill and El Coll
de la Rabossa hill, which will also bring you near to Pulpis Castle. The route ends
at the San Antoni Hermitage if you follow the signposts along the way.
Another option is to leave the set route to see the old Moorish fortress (now in
ruins) about 800 m along the path. There are some incredible panoramic views from
the highest parts of the Sierra de Irta from the coast to the cliffs. At the end
of the walk (at the San Antoni hermitage), the Peniscola castle and its walls can
be seen.
Variation 1: Barranco de la carretera
This is a 15.65 km route and takes approximately six hours to complete. The level
of difficulty is medium throughout.
To get to the beginning of the route, go to Alcala de Xivert and take the diversion
to Alcala-Peñiscola (which passes in front of the Calvary Hermitage). A bridge
will take you over the motorway, and about 4 km further on you will see a sign showing
the start of the route up to the peak.
The route, marked in green, can be found with the Route along Irta Peaks and from
now on these signposts should be followed.
Variation 2: Descent through la Font d'en Canes
This is a 10.70 km route and takes approximately four hours to complete. The level
of difficulty is medium throughout.
Starting at the Santa Lucia Hermitage, follow the general signposts along the way.
After passing the Campanilles Peak, continue on to the Coll de la Palma hill. On
the left you will see a very steep track going down, but continue along the signposted
path to the descent to Font d�en Canes. This is a very pleasant route, with attractive
views that takes you to an old stone well.
Variation 3: Descent along the Mas del Senyor
This is a 15.90 km route and takes approximately five hours to complete. The level
of difficulty is medium throughout.
Starting at the Santa Lucia Hermitage, you will continue along the mountain peaks,
following the signposts on the general route. When you reach the MALLADA DE LA RABOSSA
you will have two options:
- Continue along the path to the Pulpis Castle
- Follow the signs to Mas del Senyor. The second option goes through a ravine, which
is signposted. When you get to the Mas del Senyor you can take a break and enjoy
the views.
Sant Antoni Route
This four-kilometre walk takes approximately one hour and forty five minutes to
complete. It is very difficult.
Go through the Finca de Moro housing estate to find the starting point. From here,
head right, towards San Antoni. Now, we begin the climb up to the hermitage, which
comprises the San Antoni Hermitage, the hermitage keeper's house and the hostel.
From the San Antoni Hermitage, you can see Peniscola Castle and its walls.